Mushkin HP3-10666
At the beginning of our series we reviewed the Patriot PC3-15000 DDR3 1866MHz 2GB RAM Kit, a set of system memory destined for only the most elite overclocking systems a hardware enthusiast could dream up. In this second installment featuring the Mushkin PC3-10666 CL6-7-6-18 HP3-10666 DDR3 1333MHz 1GBx2 1.8V RAM kit, Benchmark Reviews has moved away from the expensive focus on extreme overclocking and onto a reasonably priced DDR3 product more likely to make it onto hardware enthusiasts' Christmas lists this year.
Benchmark Reviews is especially proud of the large collection we have collected for this DDR3 series. In our High-Speed DDR3 Overclocking and Review Series primer article, we mentioned more than ten different DDR3 kits will be tested and overclocked. Many of the kits we have tested so far have helped achieve extremely uncommon overclock speeds, and even some of the kits not setting speed records managed to impress us with their combination of performance and value.
Many of the readers will probably not consider DDR3 an important part of the hardware market just yet. It's expensive, and it's not going to change their system performance from a 2 to a 10. DDR3 is a more efficient replacement over DDR2 to be certain, but high-speed DDR3 is intended for overclockers and enthusiasts almost exclusively. In a year from now, I can expect to see DDR3 pressed into almost every single new motherboard produced. However for today, the demand behind DDR3 and its high-speed variants is best met by the growing number of hardware enthusiasts which push their equipment well past the stock settings.
All of this is great news for the overclocker, the hardcore gamer, and the hardware enthusiast; which has been the case every time high-end system memory parts arrive to the market. It wasn't all that long ago we all had SDRAM with 1 and 1.5CL timings, and then DDR arrived with CL3. This is part of the logical order of things, so the argument of higher latency timing is almost irrelevant. It was the exact same story when DDR2 arrived to replace DDR; which nearly doubled the timings. So from a technical standpoint we should appreciate that the timings have only gradually increased despite the much larger jump in clock speed, because history has proven this to be difficult.
EDITORS NOTE: Benchmark Reviews has also published the article DDR3 RAM: System Memory Technology Explained
About the company: Mushkin, Inc.
Founded in 1994, Mushkin is best known for producing "Enhanced" memory modules. Located at the base of the Rocky Mountains in Denver, Colorado Mushkin provides performance enhanced computer products to users worldwide. Exceptional quality, enhanced performance and unparalleled customer support are what make Mushkin products the best in the industry.
Mushkin products include an enhanced power supply line and a complete selection of memory upgrades for desktops, servers and notebooks - we offer something for everyone from business user to gamer. Our enhanced memory products are available in several performance categories from standard to extreme, with our REDLINETM series in a class of its own. Our enhanced power supply line offers superb regulation and ripple characteristics, modularity and plenty of power to supply the most demanding systems.
With customers including everyone from Apple Computer and NASA to gamers and web browsers, Mushkin knows what is important to customers - enhanced performance with uncompromising quality. With Mushkin you Get More.
PC3-10666 Features
Mushkin HP3-10666 Specifications
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Part Number: HP3-10666
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Extreme Performance PC3-10666 (1333MHz)
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Low Latency Timing: CL6-7-6-18
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Operating Voltage: 1.7-1.8V
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Module Density: 128Mx64
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Chip Density: 64Mx8
Closer Look: Mushkin PC3-10666
Mushkin has stuck to their guns so to speak with regards to the appearance of their new DDR3 module. The popular FrostByte heat-spreader design reappears in their HP3-10666 part. Finished with a blue anodized aluminum construction, the tone might be entirely fitting for a cool running set of RAM like this DDR3 1333MHz 1GBx2 1.8V system memory kit.
In comparison to many of the last-in-line DDR2 products released, namely the OCZ Reaper HPC kit and the Winchip PC2-9600 kit, this Mushkin PC3-10666 CL6-7-6-18 DDR3 1333MHz kit appears fairly mundane. There are no heatpipes, and because of the efficient design inherent to DDR3 there are no need for extremely large heatspreaders rising well above the circuit board. Instead, Mushkin kept their design simple and effective with a clam-shell heat-spreader attached with chrome clips.
There are a few positive impacts brought about by keeping to the standard profile design. To begin with, this compact footprint allows the HP3-10666 kit to fit nearly anywhere; including extremely shallow HTPC systems and 1U servers.
Running at 1.7V, which is only slightly over the 1.5V JEDEC standard, I found this Mushkin PC3-10666 kit worked at a temperature that was just barely warm to the touch.
Mushkin may not have reinvented the wheel with regard to appearance in their first DDR3 kit, but despite the lack of an all new outward design this 1333MHz CL6-7-6-18 kit doesn't try to impress you with looks. Follow along, and find out just how impressive the performance was during our overclocking and bandwidth benchmarks.
DDR3 Comparison Review Progress
Ultimately DDR3 offers a faster design which allows all hardware enthusiasts to take advantage of it. Current high-speed DDR3 memory doesn't offer any benefit when installed into computers running at the stock JEDEC standard speeds of 400 (800), 533 (1066), 666 (1333), and 800 (1600).
Instead, the new generation of DDR3 is meant to avoid a bottleneck between the CPU and the system memory; especially in highly overclocked scenarios. With the high-speed variety of DDR3, which presently includes everything beyond the highest 1333MHz JEDEC standard, you increase the Front Side Bus (FSB) and CPU clock speed without being forced to slow the system memory to remain stable. It should be noted that as of late October 2007 the JEDEC 1600MHz speed is still in draft in standard JESD79-3A, but once finalized high-speed DDR3 will include parts beyond this new speed.
System Memory is labeled with a new generation for each interval of Front Side Bus development. In terms of DDR, or double data rate memory, the first generation was designed for 100 MHz to 200 MHz speeds (DDR-200 to DDR-400). Later, DDR2 arrived and started production at 266 MHz (DDR2-533) and officially ended (by JEDEC standards) at 400 MHz (DDR2-800). This is where DDR3 begins, starting with 533 MHz (DDR-1066), and scale up to 800 MHz (DDR3-1600).
Each generation of DDR is more than just an update to the memory speed, it is also a more technologically advanced production process and a lower operating voltage and better heat dissipation. The previous generation of DDR2 is manufactured on a 110nm node, whereas the new DDR3 has receives a fab process shrink down to a 90nm node (although some use 80nm) with either 55/45nm prepared for later into 2008. Together, this all helps the hardware enthusiast reach higher clock speeds at the expense of higher latencies. This is why the new DDR3 generation of memory needs a significantly higher clock speed deliver better performance than the preceding generation of DDR2 technology.
In additional to the logically progressive changes, there are also improvements made to the architectural design of the memory. One particularly important change introduced with DDR3 is in the prefetch buffer: up from DDR2's four bits to an astounding eight bits per cycle. This translates to a full 100% increase in the prefetch payload; not just a small incremental improvement as there have been in the other area's.
DDR2-400 Memory is equal in performance to DDR-400, which is why it must operate at DDR2-667 speed to carry incentive. The same scenario is true with DDR3 when compared to DDR2. While in theory DDR2-1066 offers the same performance as DDR3-1066, this generally means that DDR3 requires a DDR3-1333 speed to show any benefit over DDR2-800. Memories within the same generation (DDR/DDR2/DDR3) are downwards compatible, meaning that if you have DDR3-1600 RAM, you can configure it to operate at 1066 and 1333 MHz speeds.
Unfortunately, without the proper chipset to support high-speed DDR3 memory, anything beyond DDR3-1333 (the fastest selectable memory multiplier setting with most motherboards) will be relegated to overclocking. Intel has designed the entire 3 Series of motherboards to be DDR3 compatible; but even though the G33, P35, X38, and the upcoming P 45 and X48 chipsets all support the newer standard they are still encouraging DDR2 support. This is going to be a power struggle between standards until Intel launches yet another new Front Side Bus.
But aren't we forgetting someone? Oh, that's right, Advanced Micro Devices. These days it's almost as if AMD has been late to dinner so often they don't even get a table setting anymore. While little brother (AMD) may have made claims back in 2006 to support DDR3 in their products this year, they appear to eating their words as the move has been stalled until the last half of 2008 when they will likely introduce the 45nm AM3. Which is what brings about the purpose of this article... is it all worth it?
Test Products:
One of the nice benefits of owning a computer sales and service company is that I get to have my hands on a whole lot of inventory that I would never purchase for myself. The other benefit is that I get to make contact with many of the top names in the industry, and can often persuade them to lend us product for testing. Over the next several weeks, you can expect to see top-tier names like: Aenenon, Corsair, Crucial, GeIL, Kingston, Mushkin, OCZ, Patriot, Winchip, and Super Talent in our featured DDR3 reviews for this mega-comparison round-up. The list below is just the beginning...
Benchmark Reviews DDR3 Testing Group
This review focuses on the Mushkin PC3-10666 CL6-7-6-18 HP3-10666 DDR3 1333MHz 1GBx2 1.8V RAM kit, but as soon as the individual series of reviews have been completed I will address the collective conclusions in a single finale article. The comparison results displayed below are updated in real time as they have completed testing.
Benchmark Reviews DDR3 Series Natural Overclock Results - Stock Voltage and Latency
Test System
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Motherboard: ASUS P5K3 Deluxe (Intel P35 chipset) with 0604 (06/27/2007) BIOS
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Processor: Intel E6550 Core 2 Duo 2.33GHz with 1333MHz Front Side Bus
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Hard Disk 1: Western Digital WD360GD 10,000 RPM SATA
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Optical Drive: Toshiba Samsung SH-S203 SATA 20x DVD R/W
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Operating System: Windows XP Professional SP-2 (optimized to 16 processes at idle)
Testing Methodology: DDR3 RAM
Before the testing really begins, there are several settings to be adjusted in the BIOS. Many combinations of the CPU's front side bus are matched to a specific memory multiplier, giving us the desired RAM (and CPU) operating speed. When high-speed DDR3 is tested, a 1:1 memory multiplier is combined with the highest CPU front side bus speed available to obtain baseline readings; the fastest FSB is presently 1333MHz found in select Intel Conroe and Kentsfield series desktop processors. When I first begin this process and start benchmarking for a baseline, the memory voltage and timing are always left at the manufacturer's default values.
After each and every change to the BIOS, the system is restarted and all RAM modules are automatically tested with MemTest86+ for one full pass. Since the modules are not yet overclocked, one pass is usually sufficient to determine if a bad part exists. Later, once I begin to overclock the memory, these tests are a good way of quickly pre-screening stable configurations. Once the test pass is complete, I move onto the synthetic benchmark tests. Here at Benchmark Reviews we use the following test suites and applications:
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SiSoft Sandra Lite v2008.1.12.34
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Lavalys EVEREST v4.00.976
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Passmark Performance Test v6.01.1001
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RightMark Memory Analyzer v3.72
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World in Conflict v1.0.0.2 (Build 82)
After all of the tests have been performed at the default memory clock speed (or highest JEDEC standard), which establishes the baseline reading for our comparisons, I then increase the front side bus to overclock the RAM without adding any additional voltage. My theory is this: a module that overclocks without additional voltage is going to perform better than a module which requires you to potentially damage it or void the warranty. Another way of looking at this is that if a module overclocks well without added voltage, it is likely that there will be more headroom if addition voltage is applied.
I am fully aware that many sites turn up the voltage and apply dangerous amounts of power to the modules so that they can unlock that last megahertz; but if I begin down that road where will it end? Do I then start writing reviews where I apply liquid nitrogen cooling to the RAM? Do I volt-mod the motherboard and apply so much power I ruin expensive parts and equipment? In the end, I decided that overclocking will be done at the stock voltage for benchmarks, because I believe most enthusiasts are going to aim for the same goal. If on some rare occasion I determine that adding voltage would potentially return large performance gains, then I will add up to 0.2V to the default volt rating.
In each synthetic benchmark test Windows XP was booted fresh and the application was opened. Task manager was then utilized to end the explorer.exe (Windows) process so that only the most essential services were running and a trim 16 processes total were consuming system memory. This procedure allowed the RAM to be as isolated as possible for our testing. Once the system was ready, I perform a single test-run of the benchmark, followed by three recorded tests. At the end of the series, I average the three results for the final score.
Sometimes it is very difficult to get broad results between the memory modules tested, so we use several different speeds of memory from participating manufacturers. Benchmark Reviews is very serious about performance, which is why we test the products against as many benchmarks as reasonably possible. Not every test suite is effective in these reviews, and some often calculate processor and other system components into the score. This is what makes a RAM review difficult: unless all of the modules compared have the exact same rating and the CPU operates at the exact same speed for each and every test, the comparison is always going to be subjective.
Test Results: Mushkin 1333MHz DDR3
Testing RAM is a subject which requires a bit of technical knowledge. I have recently found many other sites using nothing by video games to benchmark the RAM product they are reviewing, and this whole practice made no sense at all t me. Video games are GPU and CPU dependant, and RAM has a very small impact on framerate performance as I will prove to you in my own tests. So keeping all of this in mind, I use the tools that belong in a system memory review; I use system memory tests for my benchmarks. Additionally, I don't spend three (usually tiny) pages discussing how I overclocked or how I made it to tighter timings. Every memory module comes with its own limit, so one size doesn't fit all.
Without adding additional voltage, and maintaining the CL6-7-6-18 timings, this kit would only overclock to 1372MHz. This kind of improvement almost doesn't qualify. However, with a little leniency this Mushkin DDR3 1333MHz kit later overclocked to 1500MHz with default voltage and the sacrifice of latency timing values of 6-7-6-18 loosened to 9-9-9-24 in order to remain completely stable. Obviously a 167MHz increase in speed without adding to the voltage is worth mentioning, but it's also a good idea to keep in mind the default memory voltage for this kit is only +0.3V over spec at 1.8V; which means that there could be more room for safe voltage increases and higher overclocks or even tighter memory timings if desired.
Our first results were recorded from Lavalys EVEREST using the Cache and Memory Benchmark tool. The results shown below represent the average measurement obtained from the Mushkin PC3-10666 CL6-7-6-18 HP3-10666 DDR3 1333MHz 1GBx2 1.8V RAM kit at the 1:1 RAM to CPU multiplier of 1333MHz and then overclocked to 1500MHz with open timings. The results for the average read, write, and copy bandwidth from EVEREST are displayed below.
Everest is among my most trusted benchmark programs, and the Cache and Benchmark tool is one of the more reliable in terms of consistent results. The chart above shows that the extra 167MHz over the 1333MHz baseline had nearly no impact on the Read test, but it certainly amounted to a significant increase in added bandwidth with more than 27% improvement in the Write test.
With both CPU-Z and EVEREST reporting memory clocks at CL6-7-6-18, I will believe that the ASUS P5K3 BIOS settings were configured correctly. While Mushkin rates this HP3-10666 kit for 6-7-6-18, I have discovered that the ASUS P5K3 motherboard sets the clocks to 9-9-9-24 when using the AUTO setting.
Next up was the PassMark Performance Test benchmark which runs several different system memory tests in a row. Although some of the tests are specific to the performance of the RAM, others take the CPU clock speed and front side bus into account when developing a score. Most important are the memory read and write tests, and the score based tests are bias towards CPU speed and other hardware factors.
Passmark's Performance Test offers the most consistent memory test results of the entire group, with each of the test runs resulting in a score nearly identical to the previous test run. Ideally, all of these programs should be this consistent, but until they are I would consider Performance Test to be the best tool available for testing system memory bandwidth.
SiSoftware Sandra Lite XIIc offered marginal results regards to increased performance; according to the chart above. Although the bandwidth tests are of a different nature, the improvement of 1500MHz over 1333MHz still resulted in only 7% in both the integer bandwidth and float buffered tests.
The last of our memory testing applications to run is RightMark Memory Analyzer. This program may not offer the same level of consistent test results that Performance Test does, but offers a more technical approach to testing the system memory. Plus, this is a shop favorite because it's free.
RightMark Memory Analyzer offer nearly the same tests that EVEREST and Performance Test have, and could be considered a bit redundant, but then again this is a technology article and us geeks like our redundancy. While it's true that Memory Analyzer hasn't been updated in over a year and seems out of development, it's still not a bad tool since it gives the second most consistent results every single run (unlike Sandra). It also offers an average "real" RAM read and write bandwidth result which most enthusiasts don't appreciate because it combines the results of dozens of tests. This is the layman's alternative to the Sciencemark v2.0 test suite, which is also gone but not forgotten.
Finally, I tested with the memory multiplier set at 1:1 for 1333MHz against the overclocked 1500MHz setting in the game World in Conflict. Realizing that games can be either CPU or GPU bound, this made it difficult for me to compare all of the memory sets since the clock speed of the processor would change as I adjust the front side bus for the desired RAM speed. In the end, a 167MHz system memory improvement gave the framerate in World in Conflict a mere 1 FPS more in both the average and maximum frame rates while minimum framerate was identical. This result is evidence of how insignificant the system memory speed is in relation to video game performance, irregardless of timings.
But don't misunderstand me, because system memory could have a much larger impact on game performance if you use it to overclock the processor. Obviously, if you are using the Mushkin PC3-10666 CL6-7-6-18 HP3-10666 DDR3 1333MHz RAM kit you aren't going to keep the CPU at the stock speed anyway. Additionally, it is very likely that you will use a video card that more than makes up for the very small gains of overclocked system memory. This means that faster RAM allows for a faster CPU, and in turn produces a faster framerate. But in the world of system memory benchmarks, comparing the different sets of RAM in a game is pointless.
Final Thoughts
Since so much of the initial allure to use DDR3 hinged on higher performance numbers and improved efficiency, there is a lot of weight placed on every single product produced for this series. As prices continue to drop, and they have already done so in a surprisingly short time, the currently limited supply will soon increase to meet demand.
But enthusiasts expect quite a lot from this first wave of DDR3 products. Since the initial overclock gave very minor 2.745% improvement from 1333 to 1372MHz while maintaining the tight CL6-7-6-18 timings, this PC3-10666 kit eventually pushed 1500MHz stable without additional voltage at the expense of those timings. And because Mushkin didn't brand this kit with an insanely high factory clock speed you can benefit from the reduced retail cost since the product isn't looking for the limelight.
The Mushkin PC3-10666 CL6-7-6-18 HP3-10666 DDR3 1333MHz 1GBx2 1.8V system memory kit is not just going to be a product for overclockers. Since the 1333MHz default speed is presently a match for the highest front side bus, system builders and casual users could also utilize this kit for vanilla systems.
I think that most enthusiasts will probably presume that DDR3 still isn't an important part of the hardware market. After all, even a standard DDR3 kit like this is still relatively expensive; and Mushkin's PC3-10666 CL6-7-6-18 HP3-10666 DDR3 1333MHz kit isn't going to be a plug and play improvement for system performance. However, with the right combination of hardware, anybody from the average computer user to the hardcore gamer can still take advantage of the new standard without going into debt. Just remember, JEDEC controls the system memory development; and they aren't going to change their minds and return to DDR2.
Mushkin HP3-10666 Conclusion
New to our ratings system is the performance score. In our system memory reviews, we offer this score to represent the overclocking potential and memory timing capability of the product reviewed. Mushkin didn't shatter any speed records with this HP3-10666 kit, but reaching and maintaining a stable CL6-7-6-18 latency timing at 1372 is still respectable. Even the looser overclock to 1500MHz was still a notable achievement for a 1366MHz DDR3 system memory kit.
Mushkin already had an attractive design with their notched FrostByte headsink, so it wasn't exactly a tired look when it reappeared in a new color on the HP3-10666 DDR3 kit. Some change is always good, because there isn't much a manufacturer can do to dress up system memory.
In regards to construction, Mushkin has done a fine job of producing well-protected RAM with the ability to survive minor abuse. The heatspreaders may not be a permanent fixture, but the clamps secure the heatsink pieces without the worry of falling apart.
When functionality is compared, the Mushkin PC3-10666 memory kit does exactly what it was designed to do: give more for less. Just like their motto indicates, Muskin offers a lot more product than you would expect from such an entry-level kit.
At the time of this writing, Mushkin has not released the HP3-10666 1333MHz DDR3 kit to retailers. With the holiday season around the corner, it wouldn't surprise me to see this product offered nearly everywhere in the coming weeks. Expect this kit to retail between $275-$325 when it is released.
In conclusion, the Mushkin PC3-10666 CL6-7-6-18 HP3-10666 DDR3 1333MHz 1GBx2 1.8V RAM kit is a great fit for entry-level overclockers and hardware enthusiasts looking to take their first steps in the new DDR3 standard. Hopefully system memory prices in this new range of products will soon drop to a reasonable level, and when they do this could be the kit to buy for that first build. It doesn't set records in terms of speed or overclock, but then again it is available for nearly half the cost of system memory kits only a few notches higher.
Pros:
+ Offers moderate CPU overclocking potential
+ 1500MHz of available bandwidth
+ Memory overclocks 167MHz
+ Low CL6-7-6-18 latency timings
+ 1.8V power results in cool operation
+ Compact profile means universal fit
+ Lifetime Product Warranty
Cons:
- DDR3 is still considered expensive, although this kit is hardly the worst offender
- Only 6MHz of natural memory overclocking headroom
- Very tight latency timings
Ratings:
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Performance: 9.00
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Appearance: 8.75
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Construction: 9.50
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Functionality: 9.25
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Value: 7.25
Final Score: 8.7 out of 10.
Questions? Comments? Benchmark Reviews really wants your feedback. We invite you to leave your remarks in our Discussion Forum.
EDITORS NOTE: Benchmark Reviews has also published the article DDR3 RAM: System Memory Technology Explained
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